You may be wondering what the benefits are of growing heirloom plants. It took me awhile before I truly understood all the reasons why heirloom plants are the best things to grow in the garden.
Let me share with you the amazing reasons you should be growing only heirloom plants in your garden.
What are heirloom plants anyway
This had to be the very first thing that stumped me. Everyone talked about heirloom plants, but I wasn't sure what this meant. If this was you alsom let me try to explain it simply.
Heirloom seeds and plants are open pollinated plants that have usually been grown and passed down from generation to generation for more than 50 years. And, then you may be thinking what is an open pollinated plant.
Open pollinated plants are plants that are not hybrid and breed true to type. All this means is that they are not cross bred with other plants, but they are only allowed to get pollen from the other plants of the same type.
So in short heirloom plants are plants that have been around for more than 50 years (although this is not a set date range) and are open pollinated, not hybrid.
So is there a difference between open pollinated and heirloom
Just a bit. I grow both plants that are open pollinated and that are heirloom and enjoy them both. The main difference between the two is that heirloom plants have been around longer and usually originate from older cultivars.
What are the benefits of heirloom plants
When you understand a little about plant botany and the way seeds are saved you will understand how important heirloom and open pollinated seeds are.
Here is a list of reasons that heirloom plants are better for gardening than hybrid seeds.
Heirloom plants can be saved year after year
When hybrid plants are cross bred with other plants they become sterile. This means that their seeds do not germinate. If you are like me and like to save seeds then you understand how upsetting this is.
Heirloom seeds have a rich history
From herbs that were grown in Biblical times to peas found in King Tut's tomb, the history of heirloom plants is astounding. Thomas Jefferson was known for his huge gardens in Monticello, and many of todays heirloom seeds come from his original gardens.
If you are a history buff, then you will want to grow heirloom seeds.
Greater genetic diversity
When plants are hybridized or bred for certain characteristics they lose genetic information. This genetic information is what allows plants to adapt to changing conditions.
Growing and saving heirloom plants can help them adapt to certain climates. When we lose all this genetic information it can impact our garden's health.
More color
Heirloom plants are known for their quirky colors. Not only do these colors make meals interesting they are healthier with more antioxidants.
Better for organic gardening
Because most heirloom seeds were grown when commercial pesticides and fertilizers were not available these plants have better adaptability to organic growing conditions.
Taste better
When hybrid plants are bred they usually are bred for uniformity and capability to be shipped for miles and miles. This breeding creates plants that are better suited for cardboard than consumption.
Heirloom plants have been bred over the years to be better tasting. Therefore, if you want the best tasting vegetables grow heirloom plants.
Saves you money
While heirloom seeds may not be cheaper than hybrid seeds, if you save seeds and regrow them they will save you money in the long run.
Tested By time
Heirloom seeds have been around for many years and have been passed down from generation to generation. The reason these seeds are passed down is because they have amazing qualities.
Should I grow Heirloom even if I do not save seeds
Absolutely! even if you do not want to save seeds, heirloom vegetables have so many other qualities. Heirloom vegetables come in many more colors and flavors than hybrid plants do.
If you want to learn to save seeds Seed Savers Exchange has some great resources.
Where should I buy heirloom seeds
Hopefully you now understand why heirloom plants are so great and you want to start growing them. Here are some companies that I have bought from and trust for my heirloom and open pollinated seeds.
Baker Creek Seeds: Based out of the MO Ozarks this company is the big name in heirloom seeds. You will want to request a free catalog from them (they are so hard to put down).
Seeds for Generations: This company is a small family seed business. I have bought from them and have been very pleased with their seeds.
Seed Savers Exchange: This is a 501c3 non-profit based out of northern Iowa. They offer many open pollinated and heirloom seeds.
My experience with heirloom seeds
I love growing my heirloom plants. I enjoy scouring the seed catalogs and growing all the funky vegetables. Growing black tomatoes, red carrots, and cucumbers that are the best ever are some of the things that make me so enthusiastic about heirloom plants.
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